A proposal has been put forward in Wales to require prospective rabbit owners to complete a training course before acquiring the animals as pets. The initiative, introduced by Welsh Labour representative Mike Hedges, aims to ensure that individuals understand the specific care requirements of rabbits prior to ownership.

Hedges suggested that rabbit ownership should be conditional on passing a brief education program designed to inform owners about proper care. He emphasized that this requirement would help address welfare concerns by promoting responsible ownership.

Support for the proposal has come from animal welfare groups such as Hop To Save Rabbits, which highlighted the current ease of obtaining rabbits without sufficient knowledge of their needs. The charity’s spokesperson noted that inadequate understanding often results in issues such as inappropriate housing, loneliness, incorrect sexing, unwanted litters, abandonment, and increased pressure on rescue organizations.

However, the measure has drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents dismissing it as impractical and unnecessary. They characterized the plan as “hare-brained,” expressing skepticism about the feasibility and effectiveness of mandating training for such pet ownership.

The proposed training requirement for rabbit ownership is part of a broader set of suggested animal welfare reforms put forth by Hedges. These include bans on tethering horses, prohibiting private ownership of primates, and outlawing the cage breeding of game birds. The proposals aim to enhance animal welfare standards across Wales, though their implementation and reception remain subjects of debate.